Sunday, June 30, 2013

DPM: Child conversion clause reflects current situation

The proposal to allow just one parent to convert children to Islam is based on a Federal Court ruling as well as provisions of the constitution, said Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

Asked if this is inconsistent with a cabinet decision in 2009 against the unilateral conversion of minors, he said: "Yes, but this is the latest, we will look into it.

“This is according to the court ruling, according to the federal constitution. This is the current scope.”

He was asked at a press conference to comment on whether the proposed amendment to Section 107(b) of Administration of Islam (Federal Territories) Bill 2013 contravenes the 2009 cabinet decision not to allow unilateral conversions.

Muhyiddin (right in photo) also said the government is aware of complaints about the Bill, which has been tabled for first reading in the Dewan Rakyat.

"The government is aware and is taking into account all the views. We are looking into the matter," he told reporters at the Parliament lobby today.

"The cabinet has discussed this matter thoroughly and we realise there is a need for a more fair solution to the matter.”

The concerns of BN component parties which have raised objections will also be considered, he said.

He said that Jamil Khir Baharom, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, will make "relevant announcements" soon, but did not elaborate on this.